Pet Microchips: One of the Most Important Ways to Bring a Lost Pet Home
A microchip is one of the simplest and most effective investments you can make in your pet's safety. Unlike collars and ID tags, a microchip can't fall off, fade, or become unreadable. It provides permanent identification that can help shelters, veterinarians, and animal control quickly reconnect you with your pet if they're found.
While a microchip will not show your pet's location or help you track them in real time, it can make the difference between a lost pet remaining unidentified and a successful reunion. Every year, thousands of pets are returned to their families because a scanner was able to read a registered microchip.
At NorCal Lost Pet, we believe a microchip should be part of every pet's recovery plan—but it's most effective when combined with visible ID tags and modern tracking technology such as Apple AirTags or GPS tracking collars. Each tool serves a different purpose, and together they provide multiple layers of protection.
On this page, you'll learn how pet microchips work, what they can and cannot do, how much they typically cost, where to have one implanted, and the simple steps you can take to ensure your pet's microchip is ready if it's ever needed.
Microchips
A Microchip Could Be the Reason Your Pet Comes Home
A collar can fall off.
An ID tag can break.
A GPS collar battery can die.
But a properly registered microchip stays with your pet for life.
For millions of lost pets, a microchip has been the link that reunited them with their families.
If your pet doesn't already have one, it's one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect them.
What Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just beneath your pet's skin—usually between the shoulder blades.
The procedure is quick, similar to a routine vaccination, and is typically performed by a veterinarian.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number.
When a lost pet is found, veterinarians, animal shelters, and animal control agencies use a handheld scanner to read that number and contact the microchip registry to locate the owner.
The microchip itself does not contain your personal information. It simply stores a unique identification number that links to your registration record.
💡 Did You Know?
Microchips have no batteries, no moving parts, and require no maintenance. Once implanted and registered, they're designed to last for your pet's lifetime.
How Does It Work?
If someone finds your pet:
- They take the pet to a veterinarian, shelter, or animal control agency.
- The pet is scanned for a microchip.
- The scanner displays the chip's identification number.
- The microchip company is contacted.
- The registered owner is notified.
The entire process can take just minutes—if your registration information is current.
Nearly every animal shelter, veterinary clinic, and animal control agency routinely scans stray animals for microchips when they are admitted or brought in by a finder. This quick, painless scan takes only a few seconds and is often the first step toward reuniting a lost pet with its family.
A Microchip Is Only as Good as Its Registration
One of the biggest misconceptions is that implanting a microchip is all that's required.
It isn't.
A microchip that isn't registered—or has outdated contact information—is often no more useful than having no microchip at all.
Whenever you:
- Move
- Change your phone number
- Change your email address
- Transfer ownership
- Adopt a pet with an existing microchip
Update your registration immediately.
Take a few minutes each year to verify that your information is still correct.
Can a Microchip Move?
Many owners hear that microchips "move around."
During the first few weeks after implantation, a microchip may migrate slightly under the skin. This is completely normal and usually doesn't affect its ability to be found with a scanner. Veterinarians and shelters are trained to scan the entire body rather than just one location.
What if I don't know what company my chip is?"
Don't worry. You don't need to remember the manufacturer. When a veterinarian or shelter scans your pet, the microchip number identifies the appropriate registry. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to scan your pet during their next wellness visit and record both the chip number and registry information in your Lost Pet Folder.
Common Myths About Microchips
❌ "A microchip is GPS."
It isn't.
A microchip cannot track your pet's location.
It does not contain GPS, cellular service, Bluetooth, or any other tracking technology.
It only provides identification after your pet has been found and scanned.
❌ "I'll be able to locate my pet with the microchip."
Unfortunately, no.
A microchip cannot tell you where your pet is.
If your pet is missing, you'll still need to search, notify shelters, and follow a recovery plan.
❌ "Microchips need batteries."
They don't.
Pet microchips contain no battery and require no charging or maintenance.
They are designed to last for your pet's lifetime.
❌ "My veterinarian already registered it."
Sometimes they do.
Sometimes they don't.
Never assume.
Verify your registration yourself and make sure your current contact information is listed correctly.heme.
Should Every Pet Be Microchipped?
Our answer is simple:
Yes.
Dogs.
Cats.
Indoor cats.
Outdoor cats.
Livestock.
Even pets that are normally confined can escape during:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- House fires
- Traffic accidents
- Natural disasters
- Open gates
- Visits to unfamiliar places
No pet owner ever plans to lose a pet.
Preparation is much easier than regret.
Microchip vs. GPS Collar
People often ask which is better.
The answer is:
Both.
A microchip and a GPS collar serve two completely different purposes.
One does not replace the other.
Together, they provide excellent protection.
How Much Does It Cost?
Microchips are surprisingly affordable.
Most veterinary clinics charge approximately $25–$75, although prices vary depending on the clinic and whether registration is included.
Many shelters and community events also offer discounted microchip clinics.
Considering a microchip lasts for your pet's lifetime, it's one of the best values in pet safety.
Add Your Microchip Information to Your Lost Pet Folder
Once your pet has been microchipped:
✔ Record the microchip number.
✔ Record the company that issued the chip.
✔ Save your registration confirmation.
✔ Keep your login information in your Lost Pet Folder.
✔ Verify your registration every year.
If your pet ever goes missing, you'll have everything you need in one place.
Our Recommendation
At Northern California Lost Pet, we believe every pet should have multiple layers of protection.
A registered microchip is one of those essential layers.
It may never be needed—but if your pet is ever found by a stranger, it could be the reason they find their way back to you.
Protect Your Pet Before They're Lost
A microchip won't prevent a pet from escaping.
But it can dramatically increase the chances of a successful reunion.
Combine a registered microchip with:
- A properly fitted collar
- A visible ID tag
- A GPS tracking collar when appropriate
- Current photographs
- A completed Lost Pet Folder
Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Helping pet owners prevent pets from becoming lost—and helping bring them home when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a microchip track my pet's location?
No. A pet microchip is not a GPS tracker. It cannot tell you where your pet is or provide real-time location updates. A microchip simply stores a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner after your pet has been found.
Can I use a microchip instead of a GPS collar or Apple AirTag?
No. They serve different purposes.
A microchip helps identify your pet after someone has found them. GPS collars and Apple AirTags help you locate your pet while they're still missing.
For the best protection, we recommend using all three together:
- A visible ID tag
- A registered microchip
- A GPS tracker or Apple AirTag when appropriate
Does a microchip require batteries or charging?
No. Pet microchips contain no batteries and require no charging or maintenance. They are designed to last for your pet's lifetime.
Can a microchip stop working?
It's uncommon. Modern microchips are very reliable and are designed to function for the life of your pet. During your pet's annual wellness visit, you can ask your veterinarian to quickly scan the chip to confirm it is still readable.
Can I feel the microchip under my pet's skin?
Sometimes. In many pets, the chip cannot be felt at all. In others, you may notice a tiny, rice-sized object beneath the skin near the shoulders. This is completely normal.
Can a microchip move after it's implanted?
Yes. Occasionally a microchip may migrate a short distance beneath the skin after implantation. This is normal and rarely affects its usefulness. Shelters and veterinarians are trained to scan the entire pet rather than just one location.
Is the implantation painful?
The procedure is very similar to receiving a vaccination. Most pets tolerate it well, and anesthesia is generally not required.
Who Can Scan a Microchip?
Nearly every veterinary clinic, animal shelter, rescue organization, and animal control agency has a universal microchip scanner. Scanning takes only a few seconds and is a routine part of processing stray animals.
If you regularly work with rescued or found pets, you can also purchase your own universal microchip scanner. Basic scanners are widely available online, including through retailers like Amazon, and many cost around $30–$50. Having a scanner can allow you to quickly check whether a found pet has a microchip before transporting it to a veterinarian or shelter.
Remember: A scanner only displays the pet's unique microchip number—it does not show the owner's name or contact information. To identify the owner, you'll still need to contact the appropriate microchip registry or have a veterinarian, shelter, or animal control agency assist with the lookup.
If you find a stray pet, resist the urge to assume it doesn't have a microchip just because it isn't wearing a collar. Many lost pets have microchips but no visible identification. A quick scan could reunite that pet with its family in just a few minutes.
What happens if I move or change my phone number?
Update your microchip registration immediately. A microchip is only as useful as the contact information associated with it. Outdated information can prevent your pet from being reunited with you.
I adopted a pet with a microchip. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. Contact the microchip registry and transfer the registration into your name. Until the ownership information is updated, the previous owner may still be listed as the primary contact.
How do I know which company my pet's microchip is registered with?
Your veterinarian may have this information, or you can use your pet's microchip number to identify the registry. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to scan the chip during your next visit and record both the chip number and registry in your Lost Pet Folder.
Are all microchips compatible with all scanners?
Modern universal scanners used by veterinary clinics and shelters are designed to read the vast majority of ISO-compliant pet microchips. This makes it possible to identify pets regardless of the chip manufacturer in most situations.
Is a microchip enough to protect my pet?
A microchip is an important layer of protection, but it shouldn't be your only one. Pets are reunited most quickly when they have:
- A properly fitted collar
- A visible ID tag
- A registered microchip
- A GPS tracking collar or Apple AirTag when appropriate
- Current photographs and a completed Lost Pet Folder
Together, these tools provide the best chance of a fast and safe reunion.